Kerala PWD mandates safety barriers at all excavation sites after cyclist death

The Keralam Public Works Department will now require contractors to install barricades, warning boards and night-time safety systems at all excavation sites, Works Minister P.K. Basheer announced.

The enforcement drive follows the death of a 66-year-old cyclist in Alappuzha who fell into a pit dug for an under-construction project. The department has directed officials to inspect safety measures at all major road works currently under way across the state.

No exemption for lapses

"No development work is more important than the safety of human life," Mr. Basheer said in a statement. The Minister warned that neither contractors nor officials would be exempted from responsibility if lapses were found.

The department is examining whether there was any failure to provide adequate safety measures in the Alappuzha incident. Strict action will be taken against those responsible if negligence is established.

Urgent instructions issued

Urgent instructions have been sent to officials to ensure safety standards are strictly followed at road-construction sites statewide. It is the mandatory responsibility of officials and contractors to ensure public safety at construction sites, the department stated.

The government's position is to give utmost importance to public safety while ensuring speedy completion of development works, according to Mr. Basheer. "'Construction in progress' should never become a reason for endangering people's lives," he said.

Steps will also be taken to further strengthen existing safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring. Clear instructions will be issued to officials and contractors regarding safety standards at roadwork sites, and strict compliance will be ensured.

"Development is for the people. Therefore, the government will ensure that the lives and safety of the people are protected at every stage of development," Mr. Basheer said.

Source: The Hindu